Job Interview

[mbbored]

I am currently in a position where I have a wonderful boss and coworkers, but do not particularly enjoy what I do.  My boss recently announced that he was searching for a new position on the other side of the country and plans on moving the lab this summer, which eliminates my job here.  I decided to take that announcement as a kick in the pants to start looking for a job I would love, rather than like.  He asked me if I thought I would move with the lab to the West Coast or find a new job here, and I said I was already looking at a few different positions.

Well, it's been 6 weeks, but I just got a call back to interview for my dream job.  I'm one of several candidates interviewing that day.  As it is, my boss does not keep tabs on my coming and going (I have an open work schedule) so my disappearing for a few hours this Friday would mean nothing to him.  Should I tell him that I'm interviewing anyways?  Or should I wait until I have a job offer?

[twinkletoes]

I can see where you might want to tell him, as a courtesy sort of thing (i.e., "Hey, Bob, I will be out of the office on Friday afternoon") but he already knows that you're looking.  If you disappear for a few hours, he'll probably just think "oh, she must have an interview."  You really don't have anything to lose, as you already know your job ends in a few months. 

[Verruca]

The only reason I see for telling your boss about your interview is if you'd like to use him as a reference.  Otherwise, I'd treat this like any other absence - do whatever you normally do when you're out for an afternoon.

And good luck on the interview!

[itiswhatitisn't]

Well if it's a lab you have a flexible schedule.  And as he's moving the lab and not you deserting him, you are in a good position.  Tell him or the lab manager that you'll be gone for a couple of hours.  You need to stay in their good graces.  But if your lab is like mine and everyone dresses in jeans, they're going to notice that you're dressed up and put two and two together. 

He knows you're looking and he's ok with that.  I wouldn't tell him only because I feel like I jinx my interviews when I tell people.  Not to mention the whole lab must be looking for work and you don't want him to mention to someone that you had an interview at X company.  because then your coworkers may be competing with you.  If they ask for references at the interview give them the list and ask for a few hours or until monday so you can notify the references to expect a call.  Then you can go back to your boss and let him know you've had an interview and they may be following up with references.  But that's just my two cents 

[ccnumber4]

I agree.  Since you've already informed him that you are looking, I see no reason to tell him exactly why you will be gone or where you are going.  If he asks though, I would probably tell him.  Good luck!

[mbbored]

Wow, thanks for all the great advice people.  Weber06, I hadn't even considered the implications of using him as a reference.  I'm not too concerned about my labmates finding out about the interview: they're all grad students, who are moving with him or finding a different mentor here.  I guess if he asks me on Friday why I'm dressed up, I'll mention that I'll have an interview, but otherwise wait until I have to use him as a reference or have an offer.